Macalester English Department

Congratulations to Marlon James for being long-listed for the Booker Prize 2026 for his new book "The Disappearers"! Marlon will be at Talking Volumes on September 12 at O'Shaughnessy Auditorium at St. Catherine University in St. Paul to talk about his book.

The Booker Prize 2026 | The Booker Prizes The longlist for the Booker Prize 2026 has been announced, featuring two previous winners and three debut novelists

We were so happy to have English alums stop by for a bagel and a chat at Reunion Office Hours. It was so good to see all of you!

It was a full house and an evening full of joy for the launch of Peter Bognanni's new book, "How to Lose Yourself Completely" at Red Balloon Bookshop. Peter did a reading and was in conversation with Matt Burgess about this wonderful book. It was great to see so many students and slums in the audience!

This morning, Professor Penelope Geng published another Halloween article in The Conversation. It's about King James VI of Scotland's obsession with demons and witches. Definitely check this on out!

The Scottish king who wrote a treatise on demonology and obssessed over witches Why early Protestants embraced demons and witches but turned their backs on ghosts. Listen to expert Penelope Geng on The Conversation Weekly podcast.

English and Creative Writing Department, Professor Andrea Kaston Tange, wrote an OpEd for the October 12th Star Tribune.
This article argues that Minnesota needs humanities majors and pushes back against the unemployability narrative.

Use this gift link or your free Star Tribune article for the month to read: https://www.startribune.com/liberal-arts-majors-career-jobs-life-fulfillment/601489666?utm_source=gift

Thank you Andrea Kaston Tange!

Counterpoint | Minnesota humanities graduates thrive in meaningful careers "The stereotype of the underemployed history major is simply not true," professor Andrea Kaston Tange writes.

Five Macalester students worked with Professor Rachel Gold on this historic issue of Sinister Wisdom, the world’s longest-running le***an arts and culture journal. With issue 138, Sinister Wisdom begins its 50th year and also honors the pathbreaking spirit of Dorothy Allison.
Macalester students helped to select and edit stories for the issue–engaging in lively conversations with the rest of the editing team. Students on the team were: Addie Daab, Beja Puškášová, Ella Stern, Jamila Sigal Vásquez and Kendall Kieras.

Read an interview with them about the writing process in the book or watch the launch video here: https://youtu.be/wjUxzkOrhSM?si=zOfXf2kNKA0EEeGo

If you are interested in getting a copy, buy one at this link: https://www.sinisterwisdom.org/SW138

Just in time for halloween, Professor Penelope Geng published in The Conversation an article looking at books, folklore and history to better understand the difference between demons and ghosts.

What’s the difference between ghosts and demons? Books, folklore and history reflect society’s supernatural beliefs Artists often turn to the supernatural to reflect on and speak to the anxieties brought about by social, religious and political upheaval.

A glorious morning at English Reunion Office Hours - so many wonderful alums coming to visit and so many great (re)connections made. Thanks everyone!